Face Lift

http://affordablehomeinspections.blogspot.com/ has received a face lift today. In today's world if your not keeping up on the leading edge of the technology on the internet you will soon be at the bottom of the barrel.
There are so many media sites that you need to be part of to stay connected in your profession. Internet presence is a full time job and is time consuming.
I hope the appearance is acceptable and look forward to adding post in 2012

Thumbtack.com

Thumbtack is one of best providers of reputable services for everyone. They provide a one stop place for all your needs. From finding what you want to booking the service professionals the moment you find them.

Home Inspector

"S" trap will syphon trap.

Affordable Home Inspections: Air handler Flow

Affordable Home Inspections: Air handler Flow: The return air is questionable and should be explained how the first and second floor is divided and how much return should be from ea...

Air handler Flow

The return air is questionable and should be explained how the first and second floor is divided and how much return should be from each floor.The first floor appears to have more square footage and one would think it would have the same and or larger return then the second floor.


As installed the first floor and second floor has 16x20 returns. One is in the first floor ceiling and one is above the door at the air handler. The first floor return is reduced to a 12" x 12" box installed at the floor of the air handler (why reduced) while the second floor above the door stays the same.

Amid the Gloom, Consumers' View of Buying Conditions for Homes Improves

Consumer confidence fell back sharply in March amid concerns of rising gas and food prices. Consumer Sentiment retreated 12.9% in March to 67.5, according to the University of Michigan consumer survey. This reversed the gains recorded in the prior four months.

The losses were concentrated in the Expectations Index, which fell 19.1% to 57.9. Consumers are concerned about the prospects for the economy over the next 12 months, with “… the proportion of consumers who expected the economy to improve during the year ahead drop(ping) to 21% in March from 40% in February …”, as well as their own financial position, with “… just one-in-four consumers expecting their financial position to improve during the year ahead …” In addition, consumers no longer anticipate further declines in the unemployment rate over the next six months.

While consumers are concerned about the pace of economic growth and their financial position in the year ahead, their view of their present situation is better, with the Current Conditions Index slipping only 5.1% to 82.5.
Despite their gloomy economic outlook, consumers intend to keep spending, with no decline in their buying attitudes towards a range of consumer durables, including motor vehicles. The index of buying conditions for homes rose to 159, with 78% of respondents identifying that they believe home buying conditions were good—the highest level since May 2009. Low prices (63%) and low interest rates (41%) were cited as the main reasons. Following weak demand for both new and existing homes in February, the positive attitude towards housing suggests demand is likely to improve as we begin the Spring selling season.

Why Wise Buyers Get a Home Inspection

The list of things that can be wrong with a new home is endless, so don't sign on the dotted line until a reputable home inspector gives you the all clear.

The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It's also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs if you don't have a home inspection.

Most houses have defects or need repairs, and many problems can be serious. A home inspection will point out any safety hazards and alert you to major repairs that will be necessary.

A home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades who is familiar with everything from structures and electrical and plumbing systems to insulation, heating and cooling systems, and roofs.

During an inspection, the inspector will make an intensive visual examination of your home, concentrating on areas such as the foundation; exterior walls and roof; attic, basement and garage; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and the home's interior.

The inspector should then present a written report that details findings and suggests repairs. It's always advisable that you attend the inspection, which may take two to three hours. But don't expect the home inspector to provide cost estimates. Your best bet is to contact two or three contractors.

When looking for a qualified home inspector, don't overlook recommendations from friends or your real estate agent, but be aware that there are other resources to help you.

The NC Licensed Home Inspector Association. (HCLHIA) provides standards of practice and a code of ethics, as well as training courses for potential members. Some states now license home inspectors, but many do not. In states that don't, it's important to establish that the inspector is qualified and is a member in good standing of an organization such as NCLHIA. The Better Business Bureau can also help you.

Remember that the inspection report won't guarantee you're set forever once the suggested repairs are completed. Houses still need regular maintenance and repair, and as the homeowner, that's your job.